Baldwin County Bicentennial Park work going full speed ahead

JON HAUGE/Press-RegisterCivil War re-enactors take part in a recent ceremony at Baldwin County Bicentennial Park by bringing in the United States and Confederate colors during a Civil War monument Dedication in July.

STOCKTON, Alabama -- Bicentennial Park is getting closer to becoming the gem it was envisioned to be as construction continues full steam ahead, officials said.

Work on a visitors center and maintenance building is expected to begin in about two weeks. Historic projects coordinator Nick Warren, who oversees the park, said he hopes the buildings will be completed by the end of the year.

A grand entrance similar to that seen in the film "Jurassic Park" is also nearing completion, he said. "We're in the process of finishing the front entrance and it will have a big iron gate. That's just to kind of dress up the entrance."

Gates and fences are being installed to enhance security, but the grand entry "gives it a nice touch" and helps visitors find the park more easily, he said.

A 2½-mile nature trail is the only attraction open to the public so far and admission is free, he said.

On the park's north side, construction is under way on a Creek Indian village reflecting the 1810 era.

"We have completed the trade house and right now we're working on the winter quarters," Warren said.

Last December, work was completed on an old fish camp store restored to the 1910 era. Although the store is not open on a regular basis, it is available for tours, he said.

The concept of the park started about 2006, growing from a desire by the Baldwin County Commission to create a lasting legacy to the county's bicentennial in 2009, Warren said.

"The original premise was to put together some kind of park, and as time went on, the concept of the park grew from just being your traditional grass and trees to a much broader testament to the history of Baldwin County," he said.

Groundbreaking at the park began around late 2008 after environmental and archeological studies were completed, he said.

The park lies on a 367-acre tract on Ala. 225 about two miles south of Stockton and two miles north of Interstate 65. The parcel was purchased with funds from a federal Coastal Impact Assistance Program for projects that enhance water and conservation of wetlands, for instance, according to Warren.

"Last year, we received $400,000 in seed money and today we've only spent about half that. Of course, with the projects we have committed on the books right now, that'll probably pretty much exhaust that and then we'll look at additional funding," he said.

Other features being eyed for the park are a cultural interpretive center, an 1830s village that visitors can tour in a concept akin to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, the installation of earthworks, and an 1840s working farm highlighting the county's agricultural history.

In time, the park is also expected to house an antebellum wharf system complete with riverfront buildings such as chandlery and shipping offices. The exhibit will also discuss slavery and the cotton industry, he said.

Also under consideration are recreational activities. This is on hold, however, because of the potential acquisition of Live Oak Landing, which adjoins the property, he said.

"If that happens, we'll look at other historical interpretations on the south end of the park and then leave Live Oak (Landing) for modern recreational purposes. Right now, it looks real positive," he said.

"Once the park is fully operational, I am pretty confident that it'll become a top tourist destination for the area," Warren said. "We're also hoping to stimulate the economy and bring in jobs and other things as we grow."

The park will have additional memorials commemorating soldiers in all wars that the United States participated in. Various veteran organizations and heritage groups donate monuments, Warren said.

"Last year, we dedicated an American Revolution monument. About two weeks ago, we dedicated a monument to the soldiers of the Civil War," he said.

A monument to the Indian Wars is scheduled to be unveiled at 11 a.m. Aug 21.

Warren said there has been some interest in erecting a World War II monument as well as several others.

Additional upcoming park events include:

West Florida Days on Sept. 25, featuring a recreation of an 1810 rebellion against local Spanish rule.

The second annual Haunted Trails on Oct. 22 and 23. The Halloween event features a hayride where Baldwin County history is interpreted through ghost stories.

Christmas in the Park on Dec. 10 and 11. The event will feature carolers, an avenue of Christmas trees and Santa Claus as he appeared in the 1800s.